Tell us a little about yourself, what you do for a living, what hobbies / interests / passions you have.
I struggled with weight and health issues my entire life. I believe fate brought me to meet Rip Esselstyn, Robert Cheeke and Chad Byers. After watching documentaries like Forks Over Knives and Fat Sick and Nearly Dead, I had tried to discuss with doctors and nutritionists and they did not support it. I actually had a Dr. try to convince me to go Paleo. Luckily, I met these three men the very next week, which was August 30,2012, and my life changed. I had never been exposed to fit men before who didn’t eat meat- I was astounded! I have lost around 68 lbs. since last August, making a total 88 lb. weight loss since 2010. Seven years of cholesterol being in the 260’s plummeted to below 200, diabetes and insulin resistance disappeared too. Not only that- I feel incredible every day, have a ton of energy and work out eight times a week!

My passion is to educate others about the amazing aspects of plant based nutrition! I feel empowered and enlightened. I love giving my body what it needs with plant strong nutrition. I feel so much more alive not putting dead energy from dead animals in my body! I also obtained my certification on plant based nutrition from the T Colin Campbell Foundation. I am an aspiring vegan/plant based health coach. I attended the Get Healthy Marshall conference this past January and will be attending 2 Engine 2 weekend events this year. I am hungry for knowledge! I love meeting anyone and everyone involved in helping the world be a healthier place!

I also have a company that manufactures natural skin care and hair care products for babies and children, providing safer ingredients for little ones!

Why did you become vegan?
Initially, I became vegan or plant based for health reasons. Now that I have become friends with so many other vegans, I have been enlightened on all the other issues regarding animal cruelty, and it just further solidifies my reasons.

When and why did you become interested in fitness? I have to say my #1 inspiration is getting to work out with Chad Byers every day. Just being able to witness his strength is reason enough to keep me pushing my limits. My friend who works out with us Tricia Kelly also has had an amazing transformation and is becoming a personal trainer too. She is a huge motivator. I also have had the fortune of knowing Robert Cheeke and Big Bald Mike and following their awesome energy gets me pumped up!

How would you describe your nutrition program?
I follow a whole food plant based lifestyle. I integrate Engine 2 philosophy and 80/10/10. I steer clear from sugar, oil and salt.

How would you describe your training program? Don’t Stop, Won’t Stop

What are some common misconceptions about veganism? I think that a lot of people think as long as they aren’t hurting animals, it’s ok to eat refined, processed foods and they are not considering it from a health perspective. So I have witnessed a lot of people who are vegan, but are not a symbol of health and strength.

What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with veganism or training?
To adopt a whole foods plant based approach to feel the awesome energy of foods that were grown with the sun’s energy, and it turn, that energy will be in you. For training, I really love Chad’s methods of using your own body weight as resistance.

Do you have any other thoughts you’d like to share?
I am beyond thrilled to have been exposed to this whole new world of people! Every day my life has renewed meaning and purpose to push myself harder and educate myself more and more. My goal is to be the change I wish to see in the world, and to use my body as an example that this IS possible! I am still on my journey and wish to lose another 20 lbs and get more defined. I hope to help inspire others!